Congrats on clinching that playoff spot! You’ve done the hard work, but with the fantasy postseason starting March 9, these next two weeks are your final chance to fix your team. Since the trade deadline just passed, losing teams like the Grizzlies (20-33) and Wizards (14-39) are starting to tank. This means they are benching stars to play their young kids. This is the perfect time to find new stars on the waiver wire or trade away big names who might sit out. Let’s get your roster ready for a championship run.
Waiver Wire Gems to Grab Now
GG Jackson II gains late-season minutes as Memphis shifts toward youth development.© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images


(© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

)Post-Deadline Upside Plays
Key Points:
The Memphis Grizzlies are making good use of their youth, and that means GG Jackson II is a must-add. Since the trade deadline, he has been a consistent producer, averaging 13.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in February across 26 minutes per game. While Santi Aldama is a great source for boards and threes, keep an eye on his right knee injury; he’s missed the last four games but is expected to return soon after the break. In Utah, rookie Isaiah Collier is the new engine of the offense. He’s been phenomenal lately, averaging 17.3 points and 11.7 assists in February, including a massive 14-assist performance against the Kings.
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Trade Targets: Buy Low, Sell High
Anthony Davis carries shutdown risk in Washington’s developmental end-of-season approach.© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)Optimize for the Stretch
Key Points:
It’s time to trade for players in winning situations. James Harden is a huge buy target after his trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He’s already making an impact as their lead playmaker, averaging 19.3 points and 8.7 assists in his first three games with the team. Conversely, you should sell Anthony Davis immediately. Following his trade to the Washington Wizards, reports indicate he will be shut down for the remainder of the season to recover from hand and groin injuries. Instead, look for reliable veterans like Nikola Vučević, who was traded to the Boston Celtics and provides steady double-double production for a contender.
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Dodge Shutdown Risks
Lauri Markkanen’s workload management creates volatility during fantasy playoff weeks.© Rob Gray-Imagn Images
(© Rob Gray-Imagn Images)Tankers and Vet Caution
Key Points:
As the season winds down, losing teams often bench their stars to lose games on purpose or protect health. In Memphis, Ja Morant is still out, making room for younger players to show what they can do. Similarly, the Jazz are being careful with Lauri Markkanen, which has opened the door for rookie Ace Bailey to see heavy minutes. In Washington, with Anthony Davis officially shut down, Bilal Coulibaly is the player to grab for steals and blocks. Meanwhile, elite teams like the Pistons are playing for seeding and rarely rest players, but keep an eye on Joel Embiid in Philly, as small injuries might lead to cautious rest days.
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Schedule Hacks for Weeks 18-19
Isaiah Collier benefits from expanded usage and heavy minutes in Utah’s rebuild.Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
(Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)Maximize Games and Matchups
Key Points:
To win, you need your players on the court as much as possible. Target the Oklahoma City Thunder (42-14), who have a packed schedule of 11-12 games during this window; stream Jared McCain to boost your three-pointers. The Sacramento Kings are also high-volume targets, playing six games in the next 11 days. Favor players facing the Nets’ soft defense for easy rebounds. During this extended All-Star week, prioritize the Cavs for their five-game slate to get the most out of your James Harden shares.
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Conclusion
These next two weeks are your final chance to build a championship team. Focus on grabbing young players who are getting big minutes and trading for stars on winning teams like the Thunder (42-14) or Pistons (40-13). Avoid sabotaging your season by holding onto big names on losing teams who might sit out to stay healthy. Keep a close eye on RotoBaller for daily injury news and roster shifts. If you make these smart, simple moves now, you’ll be in the best spot to take home the trophy on March 9.
People Also Ask
When is the final window for 2026 fantasy roster fixes?
Mid-February (Feb 13-28), the two-week stretch before the March 9 fantasy playoffs begin.
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Who are the top waiver adds post-deadline?
GG Jackson II (Grizzlies), Santi Aldama (Grizzlies), and Isaiah Collier (Jazz) are benefiting from expanded roles.
Which players face shutdown risks?
Anthony Davis (Wizards), Ja Morant (Grizzlies), and Lauri Markkanen (Jazz) carry late-season rest or injury management concerns.
Who are the best buy-low playoff targets?
James Harden (Cavaliers) for assists and Nikola Vučević (Celtics) for steady double-double production.
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Which teams have favorable late schedules?
The Thunder, Kings, and Cavaliers project for strong volume stretches, creating streaming value.
How should managers stream in the final weeks?
Target high-volume teams and attack soft defensive matchups, especially category-friendly opponents like the Nets.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Fantasy section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.